A BOUTIQUE hostel in York's city centre has been voted the best hostel in the UK for a second consecutive year.

The Fort, in Stonegate, won the accolade after being voted in at the top spot by users of hostel website Hostelworld.com.

Karen Waugh, the owner of the 60-bed Fort, as well as Kennedy’s Bar & Restaurant, said she was “thrilled and honoured” by the award for the hostel, which she established in July 2010.

She said: "There are many people I’d like to thank, but one of the most crucial are my business advisers Garbutt & Elliott who have been with me every step of the way on the Fort’s exciting and successful journey.

"I’m a great believer in working with local businesses wherever possible, as Yorkshire is full of talent, and it has helped immensely that Garbutt & Elliott are just down the road at Monk’s Cross.”

Jeremy Oliver, partner with Garbutt & Elliott, explained: "We were first introduced to Karen when she originally purchased the Fort building in Stonegate. Our role was to help with the financial information that the funders needed to agree to lend Karen the money

"The building was originally occupied by Karen’s other business Kennedy’s Bar & Restaurant, but there were dwellings and an apartment above the bar which were empty. The Fort, an absolutely splendid hostel, was the answer.

"We have supported Karen for several years as her business interests have grown to now include Sotano Charcuterie & Bar in the basement of the Hostel next door to Kennedy’s Bar."